Methods and apparatuses for tiling and screeding pools

ABSTRACT

A tiling plate for installing tile on a pool wall surface and for applying a screed over a pool wall surface, and methods therefor. A tiling plate may include a front side having a textured surface and a back side having a surface with a plurality of ribs. The back side of the tiling plate may be configured to adhere to the pool wall and the front side of the tiling plate may be configured to adhere to the back side of tile. A method for tiling a pool wall can include adhering a back side of a tiling plate to the surface of a pool wall and adhering a back side of a tile to a front side of the tiling plate. A method for applying a screed over a surface of a pool wall can include adhering a back side of a tiling plate to the pool wall surface, applying the screed over an area of the pool wall surface, and spreading a portion of the screed to an edge of the tiling plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/052,385, filed Nov. 3, 2022, which claimed priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/373,446, filed Aug. 24, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/275,225, filed Nov. 3, 2021, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally concerns an apparatus, hereinafter referred to as a “tiling plate”, and methods for installing pool tile and screeding pool walls. More specifically, a tiling plate may be used to apply one or more tiles to a pool wall by bonding the tiling plate to the pool wall and bonding the one or more tiles to the tiling plate. A tiling plate may also be used as a foundation for applying a screed to a substrate of a pool wall by providing smooth, even surfaces and sharp, well-defined edges over which the screed may be applied. A tiling plate may replace the use of conventional wood (or other conventional material) tile backings which may be prone to degradation when exposed to moist environments.

According to some embodiments, a tiling plate may be thin and elongated with at least two parallel surfaces. In some aspects, a tiling plate may be generally rectangular with a front side having a surface about parallel to a surface of a back side. A tiling plate may further include a plurality of edges disposed between the front side and the back side and defining the thickness of the tiling plate.

In some embodiments, the front side of a tiling plate may be adapted for the application of an adhesive thereon. To promote adhesion of a tile to the tiling plate, the front side of the tiling plate may be textured (e.g., comprising bumps, protrusions, grooves, etc.). Similarly, and according to some embodiments, the back side of the tiling plate may be adapted for the application of an adhesive thereon. To promote adhesion of the tiling plate to a substrate (e.g., shotcrete or gunite), the back side of the tiling plate may comprise one or more ribs and/or notches, or the like.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a tiling plate may comprise a bond breaker. In particular, the back side of tiling plate may comprise a bond breaker adapted to prevent bonding between the tiling plate and a substrate for the given area of the substrate that the bond breaker covers.

In some embodiments, one or more edges of a tiling plate may be chamfered and/or beveled. In some aspects, a chamfered or beveled edge may be formed at an angle of about 45 degrees, relative to an adjacent surface.

According to some embodiments, a tiling plate may be irregularly shaped. In some aspects, a tiling plate may generally comprise an elongated oval shape, wherein a first distal end is outwardly rounded and a second distal end is inwardly rounded. A plurality of tiling plates may be arranged in a line with the first distal end of a first tiling plate engaged with, or abutting, the second distal end of a second tiling plate. According to some aspects, a plurality of tiling plates may be arranged in a curved line.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a tiling plate may be adapted for screeding a pool wall. According to some aspects, a rectangularly shaped tiling plate may be used to produce flat, even surfaces on a substrate of a pool wall. According to some embodiments, a tiling plate may generally comprise a shape of an elongated triangular prism. In some aspects, a tiling plate in accordance with such configuration may be used to produce a sharp, well-defined elongated edge on a pool wall.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method of tiling may include the steps of preparing a first tiling plate, preparing a substrate for adhesion to the first tiling plate, and preparing one or more tiles for adhesion to the first tiling plate. In some aspects, the step of preparing the first tiling plate may include roughening the surface of a front side of the first tiling plate and/or forming ribs or grooves on a back side of the first tiling plate. In some aspects, the step of preparing the substrate for adhesion to the first tiling plate may include applying an adhesive to a surface of the substrate and/or to the back side of the first tiling plate. In some aspects, the step of preparing the one or more tiles for adhesion to the first tiling plate may include applying an adhesive to a back side of the one or more tiles and/or to the front side of the first tiling plate.

In some embodiments, a method of tiling may further include the step of engaging the first tiling plate to the surface of the substrate. According to some embodiments, a method of tiling may further include engaging one of the one or more tiles to the first tiling plate. In some embodiments, a method of tiling may further include the step of preparing a second tiling plate. In some embodiments, a method of tiling may further include the step of engaging the first tiling plate with the second tiling plate.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method of screeding a pool wall may include the steps of preparing a substrate, preparing the tiling plate for adhesion to the substrate and for screeding, applying the tiling plate to the substrate, and applying and flattening (hereafter referred to as “floating”) a screed over the tiling plate and the substrate. In some embodiments, the step of preparing the substrate may comprise applying an adhesive to a surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the step of preparing the tiling plate for adhesion to the substrate and for screeding may comprise applying an adhesive to a back and/or a front of the tiling plate. According to some aspects, the back of the tiling plate may be scored prior to applying the adhesive thereto. In some aspects, the front of the tiling plate may be texturized or otherwise roughened prior to applying a screed thereto.

Further to the above, in some embodiments, the step of applying the tiling plate to the substrate may comprise placing the tiling plate over a portion of the surface of the substrate such that the back of the tiling plate is adhered to an adhesive overlaying the portion of the surface of the substrate and such that the back surface of the tiling plate is about parallel to the portion of the substrate surface. According to some embodiments, the tiling plate may be applied to the portion of the substrate surface in a rotated position, relative to a desired position. Following contact with the portion of the substrate surface, the tiling plate may be rotated into its desired position.

According to some embodiments, the step of floating the screed over the tiling plate and the substrate may comprise floating the screed over the front of the tiling plate, using the surface of the front of the tiling plate to form a smooth, level surface. In some embodiments, the thickness of the tiling plate may provide a means by which the screed is floated to a uniform thickness over the surface of the substrate adjacent to the tiling plate. According to some aspects, a tiling plate may positioned such that a lateral edge thereof may be adjacent to an edge of a pool wall thereby providing a means for floating the screed over the surface of the pool wall edge and the surface of the lateral edge of the tiling plate, wherein the lateral edge of the tiling plate may provide a well-defined edge to which to float the screed. In some embodiments, the lateral edge of the tiling plate may be chamfered or beveled, thereby providing a fine edge to which to float the screed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and back views, respectively, illustrating an exemplary tiling plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are back and front views, respectively, illustrating an exemplary tiling plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front (back) and sides views, respectively illustrating an exemplary tiling plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the tile plate of FIGS. 3A and 3B for use in the application of an adhesive on a non-level surface of a substrate, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front (back) view illustrating an exemplary tiling plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the tiling plate of FIG. 5 applied to a step, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are side and perspective views illustrating an exemplary tiling plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front (back) view illustrating a plurality of exemplary tiling plates in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of exemplary tiling plates applied to a step and arranged to form a curved line, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a photograph of exemplary tiling plates bonded to a pool wall, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a photograph of exemplary tiling plates bonded to a pool wall, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a photograph of pool tiles bonded to a pool wall, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a photograph of exemplary tiling plates bonded to exemplary tiling plates, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a photograph of exemplary tiling plates bonded to a pool wall, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a photograph of the front side of an exemplary tiling plate, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a photograph of the back side of an exemplary tiling plate, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are side and exploded side view diagrams of an exemplary tiling system comprising a pool wall, adhesive, an exemplary tiling plate, and pool tiles, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in its various aspects, will be explained in greater detail below. While the invention will be described in conjunction with several exemplary embodiments, the exemplary embodiments themselves do not limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the exemplary illustrations in the accompanying drawings, where like elements have like numerals, do not limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments and/or invention, including any length, angles, or other measurements provided. Rather the invention, as defined by the claims, may cover alternatives, modifications, and/or equivalents of the exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 1A-8 illustrate exemplary tiling plates which may be adapted to adhere to the wall (comprising, e.g., gunite or shotcrete) of a pool and to adhere pool tile thereto. A tiling plate may provide the benefit of stronger adhesion of pool tiles to a pool wall (via the tiling plate), while also providing flatter and straighter edges and surfaces, thereby allowing for uniform installation and appearance of pool tiles. It is to be further understood that a tiling plate may also be used for screeding and shaping pool walls and it may be used to form smooth, level surfaces as well as well-defined corners and edges.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, and in accordance with some embodiments, a tiling plate may be generally rectangular with a front side having a surface about parallel to a surface of a back side and a plurality of edges disposed between the front side and the back side. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the front side of the tiling plate may have a roughened texture (illustrated by small dots) which may promote the bonding of an adhesive between one or more pool tiles and the front side of the tiling plate. It is to be understood that, according to some embodiments, the texture of the front side may be formed by protrusions, ridges, recesses, bumps, ribs, or the like, and combinations thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the back side of the tiling plate may comprise a plurality of ribs which may promote the bonding of an adhesive between the tiling plate and a pool wall. However, it is to be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the back side of a tiling plate may comprise protrusions, ridges, recesses, bumps, or the like, and combinations thereof, to promote adhesion.

Referring now, specifically, to FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a tiling plate may comprise one or bond breakers (denoted by a series of diagonal lines near the top of FIG. 2A). A bond breaker may be provided to limit or prevent adhesion between a portion of the back side surface and an adjoining surface to which the tiling plate may be bonded (e.g., a pool wall) in order to prevent cracks within a substrate (e.g., bond beam). In an exemplary embodiment, and as further illustrated in FIG. 2A, a tiling plate may comprise a length of about 12 inches and a width of about 6 inches and a bond breaker may have a width of about 1 inch and may extend along the entire length of the tiling plate. A tiling plate in accordance with such configuration may be adapted for, in one example, 6-inch waterline pool tile which may comprise a mesh or sheet backing or which may be plastic mounted.

Referring now, specifically, to FIGS. 3A and 3B, according to some embodiments of the present invention, one or more edges of a tiling plate may be chamfered and/or beveled. For example, as more clearly illustrated in FIG. 3B, a lengthwise edge of a tiling plate may be beveled. In preferred embodiments, the beveled edge may be formed at an angle of about 45 degrees, relative to an adjacent surface. In an exemplary embodiment, a beveled tiling plate may be about 12 inches long and about 3 inches wide. The thickness of a beveled tiling plate may be between about ¼ and about ⅜ of an inch. A beveled tiling plate in accordance with such configuration may be adapted for, in one example, a top surface of a pool wall which is non-level (i.e., sloped), illustrated, for example in FIG. 4 .

In another exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 5 , a flat, rectangular tiling plate may comprise a length of between about 12 and about 18 inches and a width of between about 1 and about 2 inches. A tiling plate in accordance with such configuration may be adapted for flat surfaces, such as for tiling pool steps and for screeding vertical walls, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 6 . Alternatively, and as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, a tiling plate may be shaped as an elongated triangular prism. A tiling plate in accordance with such configuration may be adapted for non-flat surfaces or for surfaces where definition or texture is desired. For example, a tiling plate shaped as a triangular prism may be used to form well-defined edges when screeding a pool wall by providing both flat, planar surfaces and sharp edges.

Referring now, specifically, to FIG. 8 , and in accordance with some embodiments, a tiling plate may comprise a generally elongated oval shape with inwardly and/or outwardly rounded distal ends. For example, and as further illustrated in FIG. 8 , a first distal end of a tiling plate may be outwardly rounded and a second distal end may be inwardly rounded. A tiling plate in accordance with such configuration may be adapted for non-straight (e.g., curved) tiling patterns. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 9 , a plurality of tiling plates may be arranged in a curved line and adhered to, for example, a pool step, with the first distal end of a first tiling plate adjoining, or abutting, the second distal end of a second tiling plate. To produce a smooth curved line, each tiling plate in a line of tiling plates may be rotated by a given amount relative to an adjacent tiling plate. Pool tile can then be bonded to the tiling plates to form a smooth, level, and curved line of tiles.

In some implementations of the present invention, a tiling plate may be used for tiling a pool wall. Prior to using a tiling plate, it may first be prepared for bonding with one or more pool tiles and a wall. Preparing the tiling plate may include roughening the front side surface of a front side and/or forming ribs (or the like) on the back side surface. Following, the tiling plate may be prepared for adhesion with a substrate (e.g., a pool wall) which may include applying an adhesive to an area of the substrate to be tiled and/or the surface of the back side of the tiling plate. Then, the tiling plate may be pressed against the area of the substrate to be tiled in order to form a bond therebetween. Once the tiling plate is in a desired position (e.g., at a given height and level), an adhesive may be applied to the surface of the front side of the tiling plate and/or the back side of a tile (or sheet of tiles). Then, the tile may be pressed against the front side of the tiling plate in order to form a bond therebetween.

To prepare a line of pool tiles, the process above may be repeated, with each subsequent tiling plate being adjoined with, or abutting, an adjacent tiling plate. Alternatively, each tiling plate in a line of plates may be adhered to a pool wall before pool tiles are adhered thereto. For curved tiling patterns, a first tiling plate may be placed at a desired position on a pool wall (and bonded thereto), followed by the placement of a second tiling plate at a desired position adjacent to, and abutting, the first tiling plate. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 9 , a line of tiling plate may be adjoined end-to-end to form a curved line. In such implementations, after the first tiling plate is at a desired position, the second tiling plate may be rotated slightly relative to the position of the first tiling plate to form a slight curve. This process may be repeated with subsequent tiling plates rotated by about the same degree relative to an adjacent tiling plate to produce a smooth curved line. It is to be understood, however, that a line of tiling plates may be rotated by various degrees to produce any desired line shape.

According some implementations, one or more tiling plates may be used to screed a pool wall. For example, first an area of a pool wall may be prepared by applying an adhesive thereto. Optionally, an adhesive may be applied to the back of one or more tiling plates to be adhered to the prepared area of the pool wall.

In some embodiments, the step of preparing the substrate may comprise applying an adhesive to a surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the step of preparing the tiling plate for adhesion to the substrate and for screeding may comprise applying an adhesive to a back and/or a front of the tiling plate. According to some aspects, the back of the tiling plate may have a plurality of ribs formed thereon prior to applying the adhesive thereto. In some aspects, the front of the tiling plate may be texturized prior to applying the adhesive thereto.

Further to the above, in some embodiments, the step of applying the tiling plate to the substrate may comprise placing the tiling plate over a portion of the surface of the substrate such that the back of the tiling plate makes flush contact with the portion of the substrate surface. According to some embodiments, the tiling plate may then be applied to the portion of the substrate surface. Following contact with the portion of the substrate surface, the tiling plate may be rotated into its desired position.

According to some embodiments, the step of floating the screed over the tiling plate and the substrate may comprise floating the screed over the front of the tiling plate, using the surface of the front of the tiling plate to form a smooth, level surface. In some embodiments, the thickness of the tiling plate may provide a means by which the screed is floated to a uniform thickness over the surface of the substrate adjacent to the tiling plate. According to some aspects, a tiling plate may positioned such that a lateral edge thereof may be adjacent to an edge of a pool wall thereby providing a means for floating the screed over the surface of the pool wall edge and the surface of the lateral edge of the tiling plate, wherein the lateral edge of the tiling plate may provide a well-defined edge to which to float the screed.

In some embodiments, a lateral edge of the tiling plate may be chamfered or beveled, thereby providing a sharp, defined edge to which to float the screed. For example, for a portion of a pool wall which extends above a ground surface, a beveled tiling plate may be applied on a front side and a back side of the pool wall, near the top thereof. Each tiling plate may be oriented such that the bevel may be positioned adjacent to the top of the pool wall, with a lower edge of each bevel (i.e., the edge closest to the ground surface) proximal to the pool wall and an upper edge of each bevel (i.e., the edge furthest from the ground surface) distal to the pool wall. The screed may then be floated over the top of the pool wall, between the bevels of the two tiling plates, with the edges of the surface of the screed being defined along the upper edges of each bevel (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ).

According to some embodiments of the present invention, and with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a system for tiling a pool wall may include a tiling plate, adhesive, and pool tile (e.g., decorative tile). As illustrated, a first layer of adhesive may be applied to an area of a surface of a pool wall. Then, a tiling plate may be applied over the first layer of adhesive, parallel to the area of the surface of the pool wall, such that a back surface of the tiling plate is adhered to the first layer of adhesive. Then, a second layer of adhesive may be applied over a front surface of the tiling plate. Then, a plurality of tiles may be applied over the second layer of adhesive, parallel to the area of the front surface of the tiling plate, such that a back surface of the tiles is adhered to the second layer of adhesive.

It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. Thus, although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for tiling a surface of a pool wall, comprising: a) a first side having a textured surface; and b) a second side having a ribbed surface; wherein said first side is about parallel to said second side, wherein said surface of said first side is configured to be engaged with at least one tile, wherein said surface of said second side is configured to be engaged with said surface of said pool wall, and wherein each surface of each side is configured to bond to an adhesive.
 2. A method for tiling a surface of a pool wall using a tiling plate, said tiling plate comprising i) a first side having a textured surface and ii) a second side having a ribbed surface, said method comprising the steps of: a) applying an adhesive to said surface of said pool wall; b) adhering said surface of said second side of said tiling plate to said surface of said pool wall; c) applying an adhesive to said surface of said first side of said tiling plate; and d) adhering a back side of at least one tile to said surface of said first side of said tiling plate.
 3. A method for applying a screed over a surface of a pool wall using a tiling plate, said tiling plate comprising i) a first side having a textured surface and ii) a second side having a ribbed surface, said method comprising the steps of: a) applying an adhesive to a first area of said surface of said pool wall; b) adhering said surface of said second side of said tiling plate to said first surface area of said pool wall; c) applying a screed over a second area of said surface of said pool wall; and d) spreading a portion of said screed to a lateral edge of said first side of said tiling plate until a thickness of said screed overlaying said second surface area of said pool wall is about the same as a thickness of said tiling plate. 